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Will Smith’s ‘Class of 88’ Teaser: A Glimpse into Hip-Hop Legends and DMC’s Passion for the Craft

FM Hip Hop reported on Will Smith’s latest hip-hop project, Class of 88, a month ago. And the anticipation is almost over. Today, a fresh trailer for the imminent podcast has been unveiled. If this sneak peek is anything to go by, “Class of 88” promises to be one of the hottest releases this year.

Class of 88 Sneak Peek

Will Smith, a name now intertwined with the label “icon,” is capturing headlines again with the release of the “Class of 88” teaser trailer. The excitement is palpable, and it’s not just about the trailer. The profound meaning behind this podcast fuels the anticipation. Who better to present this than Smith? His passion for the craft and that specific era is unparalleled. During a Billboard interview, a spirited Smith mentions,

“Hip-hop is a central part of my life for over four decades. I’m eager to share my first-hand experiences and tales from some of hip-hop’s most iconic figures.”

This journey promises to be unforgettable. Besides, given Smith’s impressive achievements and the legacy he continues to build, the buzz surrounding the project is expected. For die-hard hip-hop enthusiasts, there’s no putting a price on learning about the legends from the legends themselves. It’s like uncovering the ultimate hip-hop treasure.

“Class of 88” to Bring the Heat

 

Class of 88

Will Smith, Rakim, and Queen Latifah. Image Source: Nicky J Sims/Getty | Scott Dudelson/Getty| Nicholas Hunt/Getty

Smith’s enthusiasm is a driving force, but it’s not the sole reason for the buzz. While his involvement is undoubtedly a major draw, the other stars associated with this project add immense value. As highlighted by Billboard, Smith is set to commemorate one of hip-hop’s most pivotal years with interviews from industry titans like Queen Latifah, Rakim, Chuck D., Dj Jazzy Jeff, Salt-N-Peppa, and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. Fans have already been treated to a snippet of Smith’s chat with “DMC,” offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.

“Class of 88” Preview with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

The trailer is short and to the point. But this brief glimpse provides a preview of what’s in store. In the video, viewers witness a relaxed Smith engaging in a profound and reflective conversation with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. And McDaniels dives into a story that promises to captivate listeners. In the short snippet, he discusses his acceptance into university. However, university acceptance isn’t the most captivating part. Instead, it’s the fervor it elicits. To commemorate this significant milestone, he expresses his emotions through lyricism.

But what’s truly remarkable about that?

It’s striking that writing lyrics wasn’t an afterthought for him; it was his foremost instinct. His immediate response was to gravitate towards pen and paper. This sheds light on his character. Here, that moment gives us, the fans, a glimpse into his dedication, determination, and devotion to the art. We’re witnessing the raw passion of a hip-hop pioneer. And to think this is only the beginning of what is ahead. The preview trailer can be seen here.

Where to Catch It

For everyone eagerly awaiting the eight riveting episodes, prepare to be taken on a journey back to hip-hop’s roots. “Class of 88” begins streaming on October 26. And you can catch it on Amazon Music and Audible. So, make sure to tune in!

Written by: Renae Richardson

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FM Culture Trending

Will Smith To Launch Hip Hop Podcast “Class Of 88”

Will Smith is adept at keeping his fans intrigued. The actor’s latest venture, the “Class of 88” podcast, is sure to captivate Hip Hop enthusiasts.

Hip Hop was Will Smith’s driving force long before he moved to Bel Air to assume the throne as the Fresh Prince. In the 1980s, the young Smith could be found rocking the mic with DJ Jazzy Jeff on the turntables. The aim was to move the crowd, something that continues to be the actor’s motivation though on different frontiers.

In the years since Will Smith rocked the stage with the hit single “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” his artistry has evolved. But there’s one thing certain: Hip Hop has never left the actor. Smith’s new Hip Hop podcast continues to prove how much he values the art form.

Make Space: Will Smith’s Bringing “Class of 88”

There are many podcasts out there which shine the spotlight on Hip Hop. So, what will set Will Smith’s offering apart from the others? This podcast will focus on one monumental year in Hip Hop and those who elevated the art form to a whole new level. As Billboard notes,

Smith will explore the landmark year of 1988, which included the rise of Public Enemy, the ascension of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and the outpouring of female MCs such as Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah, “an area in which Smith certainly has expertise.

No one knows the prolific nature of this time period like Will Smith. In 1989, he and DJ Jazzy Jeff changed the game by winning the first Grammy for the best rap performance, an obvious sign of the times.

What’s So Special about 1988

A 2011 article by Victor Simmons, now found in the New York Public Library, terms 1988 as the year of Hip Hop. The 1980s was a decade of change. It was a transformative year. None were quite so impacted by the tumult as New Yorkers.

Out of the ashes, a phoenix rises. As written, “The South Bronx suffered dearly during the ’80s, and by 1988, it wasn’t burning any longer; it had already been burned. By 1988, Hip-Hop was already deeply entrenched in the minds of many. A new breed of rap artists emerged to take hold of the imaginations of its listeners.”

And a new era began. Therein lies the prolific nature of 1988 as it relates to hip-hop.

Much Success to Will Smith: Mad Love to Give

Given that Hip Hop is in one of its most significant celebratory years, there is no time to honor the changemakers like the present. And a podcast that brings these greats up to the mic to expound upon their impact is something incredible. Do we need another hip-hop podcast? Of course, the culture can never get enough of a good thing. The more avenues available to learn from the ones who have done it and are still doing it, the better.

So, all the best to Will Smith in this new venture. This new platform is truly a gift to the fans of hip-hop. For those who are eager to catch “Class of 88,” the eight-series podcast will begin streaming on Oct. 26 and become available on Amazon Music and Audible.

Written by Renae Richardson 

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FM Cinema Trending

Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Confirms “Bad Boys 4” Is On The Way

“Bad boys, bad boys… what you gonna do? What you gonna do when they come for you?” Well, they’re coming, and we get to hear Will Smith and Martin Lawrence sing that song again on our screens soon enough. 

The “Bad Boys” franchise is officially back as the pair reunite for a fourth installment of the film series.

Instagram Announcement From Smith and Lawrence

The exciting announcement was presented on Instagram. In the post, we see Will Smith, known as the character Mike Lowrey in the films, hop in his car and enthusiastically inform us he has something to tell his audience. He gets to his destination and stops in front of a door. Martin Lawrence, also known as the character Marcus Burnett, eventually opens the door.

 

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

The Untitled Name Of The Fourth Installment

They both confirm in the video that we will finally be receiving “Bad Boys 4,” even though it will not be called “Bad Boys 4 Life” — since that was the title for the third installment. The two actors reiterated they will always be bad boys for life, and the fourth movie is coming our way.

Sony Pictures confirmed in a Variety interview that the movie is in early pre-production. We have yet to hear a formal title for the film, but after the success of the third film, I’m sure it will be a hit no matter what it is called.

Success From “Bad Boys For Life”

“Bad Boys For Life,” the third installment released in 2o20, earned $426.5 million at the worldwide box office. This was one of the last pre-pandemic era blockbusters and went on to win a couple of People’s Choice Awards. This film proved to be much bigger than expected. It was 2020‘s highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office.

During a time that destroyed movie sales because of the pandemic, the “Bad Boys” took home over $204 million in the United States.

Bad Boys 4 Confirmed By Smith, Lawrence
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Image source: MediaPunch, BACKGRID, Gustavo Caballero South Beach Photo, REX.

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“Fresh Prince” begged Michael Jordan to wear his shoes

The popular, comedic, and sensational hit series of the 90s, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” featured Will Smith who claims to have once begged Michael Jorden to allow his character to wear his shoes.

Smith always aimed for the “Fresh Prince” to have the best kicks on the show, especially because culture and style became vastly ideal as a part of the 90s and the series. A memorable moment that fans and sneakerheads reflect back on is Will either wearing the most popular or newest Jordans.

Connecting with Michael Jordan

 

Smith grew fond of always wearing the latest shoe and decided to reach out to none other than Michael Jordan himself, according to Basketball Network. Unfortunately, MJ said no.

 

Featured in an interview from ShowTime’s, All The Smoke, Smith says, “I was living the culture. I was literally calling Jordan like ‘Mike, please, please don’t give them to nobody. Let me be the first person, I gotta be the first person to wear it’. And he was like ‘Man, I don’t run that’.”

To show how adamite Smith has become to be a part of Jordan’s brand he showcases not one pair of Jordan’s but two!

 

In the pilot episode, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is wearing Air Jorden 5 Metallic Retro and in the season finale, he is wearing the Air Jordan 11 Columbia.

The “Fresh Prince” Collaboration

 

Seeing how inflexible Smith is set off to be a part of Jordan’s brand exemplifies his dedication and they bring him on board. Smith previously said during this time he was unaware of Nike releasing a variety of colorways solely under his character name; “Fresh Prince.”

 

In 2013, the spotlight focuses on the “Grape” colorway without laces following a second pair dropping, and lastly, a final pair dropped in 2020.

 

Throughout the memorable series, the “Fresh Prince” celebrated the collaboration by wearing over thirty pairs of Air Jordan’s.

 

Written by: Abbi-Rae De La Rosa| Twitter @justabbi_

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FM Cinema Trending

Trailer for new Film “Emancipation” Starring Will Smith Released

Will Smith has dominated global headlines over the past year for less than desirable reasons. However, this time, Smith’s name is bearing recognition for his starring role in the upcoming Antoine Fuqua film “Emancipation.”

“Emancipation”

“Emancipation” is a film backed by Apple Studios that tells the story of Louisiana native and slave by Baton Rouge Gordon, who became famously known by the moniker “Whipped Peter.”

John "Whipped Peter"
Whipped Peter. Image source: New York Times.

John “Whipped Peter,” who had endured the atrocities of a severe beating, risked his life to join the Union army. It was during a physical examination that the horrifying welts which stretched across his body were uncovered. The photo of those lashes became a sobering but significant marker of the brutalities of slavery. According to history.com, “Peter’s back became one of the most widely circulated images of slavery of its time, galvanizing public opinion and serving as a wordless indictment of the institution of slavery.”

Smith as “Whipped Peter”

In “Emancipation,” Will Smith takes on the role of the historical figure. Smith admits that in the past, he had reservations about participating in films focused on the institution of slavery. Smith’s rationale was,

“I never wanted to show us like that.”

However, when this film came along, it transformed Smith’s thinking. Smith’s acceptance of the role had little to do with the context of slavery but with whom Gordon represents in the context of history. As Smith explains, the film’s theme has a much broader context than the suffering of a people. In Smith’s words,

“This is a film about freedom…about resilience. This is a film about faith.”

The “Emancipation” Trailer

The recent release of the stirring trailer provides just a glimpse of what audiences can expect. The trailer shows Smith as Gordon on the run from slavers as he makes his way to a union camp through hell and high water.

But, while Smith takes the lead, it will not be Smith alone that will turn this film into a riveting watch. So, rounding out the cast of the gripping film are Ben Foster, Steven Ogg, and Charmaine Binwah.

Oscar Buzz

The Oscars has effectively banned Smith due to his altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. However, the ban does not disqualify Smith for an Oscar nomination, and the gravity of the role makes a nomination a real possibility for Smith.

The “Emancipation” filming took place before the Oscars. But the circumstances surrounding the incident delayed the release of the film. 

However, according to more recent updates, “Emancipation” is now set to premiere on December 9th on the Apple+ platform. And for those who so desire, the film will premiere on December 2nd in national theatres.

Written by: Renae Richardson

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Kevin Hart Gifted “Will Smith” The Goat To Chris Rock During An Epic Comedy Show

The slap heard around the world from the 2022 Academy Awards is still making noise. Back in March, the world watched as Will Smith slapped Chris Rock following a joke about his wife. Last night, comedian  Kevin Hart gifted an actual goat named “Will Smith,” to Chris Rock. Hilariously, this was during a comedy show at Madison Square Garden in New York City with Dave Chappelle on stage.

What Took Place When Kevin Hart Gifted “Will Smith” The Goat To Rock?

Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Chris Rock held a comedy show at MSG. And the room was full of laughter and tons of jokes. One of the topics that came up was how Hart had a live goat in attendance. And no one could understand why. But to everyone’s surprise he presented it to Rock as a gift. And let everyone know the goat’s name was “Will Smith.” Hart mentioned to the audience that Rock not only was a friend and inspiration, but he was in fact a mentor. And he was his G.O.A.T. Which is where the inspiration for his gift came from.

Despite creating a tender moment, where he says Rock almost cried. The goat made things a bit messy and actually ruined Rock’s shoes. “Chris had on some white moon boots and that goat got him,” Hart said on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtQAlgP5A7M

Kevin Hart’s gift wasn’t the first time the incident came up recently. Last weekend while performing in New Jersey Chris Rock made a point to talk about being seen as a “victim.” Saying, “I’m not a victim. Yeah that hurt, but I shook it off and went to work.” Rock even compared the slap to getting a paper cut and it being that minor in his life.

It’s clear that Hart is one of the only people that could pay homage to one of the greats, while also making fun of them!

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Will Smith Explains Rationale For Clean Lyrics: By the Way, He Hates Being Called Soft

Today Will Smith is trending again, but this time for setting the record straight.

Will Lays His Cards On The Table

According to the artist, he has more than a reasonable explanation for keeping his lyrics clean in his early years in hip hop. Furthermore, he’s non-appreciative of being called soft. And the masses were all ears.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and Big Will (Fresh Prince)

Will Smith gained global fame in the 80s for his partnership with DJ Jazzy Jeff as an iconic hip hop Duo. At the time, Smith and Jazzy Jeff were hotter than hot and received notable acclaim for what they did in the industry. However, Will has had to settle for more than enough disrespect for the Duo’s squeaky-clean image. In a genre known for its artist with rough around the, edge images and hardcore lyrics, Will and Jazz’s releases were tame in comparison. As a result, he’s received, mad flack.

Will Reveals His Rationale

Not that Will owes anyone an explanation for being himself; it appears he’s felt the time had passed for people to put respect on his name. As a distinguished guest on David Letterman’s show, “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction;” Smith scratched the broken record. Reportedly he told Letterman,

“A letter he got from his grandmother changed everything. Smith said she told him how talented he was and didn’t need to curse to stand out. That was the reason I never cursed in any of my records.”

And we dig that. That is as good a reason as any. If anything, that deserves some respect.

More for Your Consideration

Reportedly, the interview took place before the Oscars incident. And as the record shows, even then, Smith expressed how he disliked being referred to as soft. In further defending his position on the creative choices he made, Will had this to say,

“We stood out in a really good way. We sort of had our own lane … it was always that I was soft. I hated that, being called soft.”

Indeed, there is no denying the words that came out of his mouth. So this brings to reason a recent comeback made by Chris Rock’s following the Oscar debacle. Perhaps Rock’s dig had more venom in it than once thought. In response to a comment Chappelle made after an attack, Rock said,

“I got smacked by the softest nigga that ever rapped.”

Giving Smith’s feelings about the label gives the masses something to mull over.

What’s Next

Regardless, Smith has yet to appear publicly since his confrontation with Rock. So he’s yet to respond to anything that has been said, including the comment made by Rock. According to a source, Smith has been on a spiritual journey. Following the incident at the Oscars, he traveled to India to work on himself. Given his sentiments on Letterman’s show, how Smith will respond to Rock’s statement is yet to be seen. However, we can assume it will certainly be interesting.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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Will Smith Faces Another Cancellation!

Will Smith’s fated night at the Oscars altered his life and career. Not only did the slap cost him ten years of attendance at the Oscars, but it has cost him several career opportunities.

Netflix Cancels Bright 2

Today it has been announced that Netflix will be the next to cancel Will Smith. Will Smith starred in a light-hearted cop film where he partnered with an Orc entitled Bright back in 2017. At the time, Netflix was optioning to do a sequel to the film. Unfortunately, now the word is there will be no sequel.

Will Faces Repercussions

It’s no secret that Will’s actions at the Oscar left a bad taste. A lot of Hollywood has responded by distancing themselves from the star. Sony studios were one of the first to cancel with Bad Boys. Fast and Loose, another upcoming project, was put on hold. Now the cancellation of the sequel to Bright rides on the heels of the others. However, Netflix contends the cancellation has nothing to do with the Oscar incident despite the timing. As a source notes,

“Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw revealed that Netflix has abandoned plans to make a sequel to Bright, but disclosed that it was not related to a recent slap incident at the Oscars.”

So why was it canceled?

Who knows? Another source contends there were already a lot of roadblocks to getting the sequel to screen. As noted,

“The sequel has suffered from a troubled production. Most notably, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic saw Ayer exit the director’s chair.”

Netflix’s current response seems like a legit rationale for canceling the project. However, that is not to say the Oscar incident didn’t put the final nail in the coffin.

Will’s Road Ahead

Smith has a long road ahead of him. Although he has been a sitting duck to cancel culture, he is not fully canceled. In an earlier interview, Michael Bay expressed interest in working with Smith. Emancipation, set to air on Apple TV, is still possible. Pole to Pole, a docuseries that features Smith, is still happening. As a source notes,

“NatGeo has delayed the start of production on its big Will Smith show following the Slap. But it’s still happening.”

So, all is not lost

Lessons Abound

There’s so much the masses can glean from this incident. One important takeaway is using wisdom and weighing the cost of action before acting. Undoubtedly, we all get knocked down. But the most important thing, when we do, is we get back up. So although Smith may be down now, he’s certainly not out.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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Did you read about DJ Jazzy Jeff’s response to the Oscar Incident? If not, check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article. 

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DJ Jazzy Jeff Weighs In On Will Smith And The Oscars

 

DJ Jazzy Jeff, the long-life friend and collaborator of Will Smith, broke his silence on his thoughts on Will Smith’s reaction to Chris Rock at the Oscars.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Speaks on Smith

If anyone knows Will Smith, DJ. Jazzy Jeff does. Jeff is not only the DJ of the performing collab; he is also a long-time friend of Smith. Moreover, Jeff had something to add on Smith and his reaction to Rock’s Joke. Based on his knowledge of Smith, he chalks the slap to a lapse in judgment. In the words of Jeff,

“Don’t get it twisted that it was something he was proud of. It was a lapse in judgment, you know.”

He has a valid perspective.

Pressures Abound: Smith is Human

Furthermore, Smith has undergone a tremendous amount of pressure, especially with details of his personal life being made public. Yet, while everyone weighs in on his life, he has taken the part of the spectator for the most part. Surely this would take a toll on anyone. But, as Jeff so eloquently puts it, Smith is human.

Jeff Gives Perspective from The Point of Connection

It’s often difficult to fully assess from the outside looking in. There are many theories one could come up with to explain Smith’s reaction. However, there are very few who could give an accurate and valid perspective. DJ. Jazzy Jeff is one of those individuals. Based on Jeff’s assessment, Will’s reaction was out of character.

Most can agree with that sentiment.

Jeff Zeroes In

Jazzy Jeff contends one needs only look at Smith’s track record to understand.

“I think the thing that I’ve realized is I don’t know too many people that have had the least amount of lapse of judgment than him. I can name 50 times that he should’ve smacked the s— out of somebody, and he didn’t.”

Again, this is a point that no one can deny. And more importantly, Jeff is not the only one who understands this to be true. Reportedly Michael Bay has somewhat of the same perspective.

We All Are Human

All can agree that Will Smith is Human. And indeed, humans have lapses in judgment. No one is perfect. Nevertheless, somehow the world expects celebrities to be so perfect. The truth is, they are not. They are no different than the masses. The only difference would be the opportunities they are given and that they have taken. So as Jeff contends, we all deserve the benefit of the doubt.

“So for him to have a lapse in judgment, he’s human. And I think a lot of the criticism comes from the people who don’t think people like that are human.”

Considering everything, honestly, Smith does at least deserve to be weighed on the facet of his humanness.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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If you haven’t read about the Academy’s ruling on the Smith incident, check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.

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The Academy Bans Will Smith For 10 Years; He Responds Respectfully

The Academy reprimanded Will Smith for his Oscars slap incident with comedian Chris Rock.

After the disciplinary hearing, which West Coast rapper The Game strongly opposed, The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences announced on Friday (Apr. 8) that the King Richard actor, who assaulted Chris Rock at the 94th Oscars awards show, will be banned for ten years from all Academy events including the Oscars.

Will Smith Remains Eligible For Awards Despite His Ban

Variety reports that Will Smith, who resigned from The Academy on Apr. 1, will likely keep his Best Actor Oscar. This award is for his performance in the biopic on Serena and Venus Williams’ father, Richard Williams. Smith is safe from sanctions because the Oscars do not have the legal authority to take action. Therefore, after the ban goes into effect on Apr. 8, Smith will still be eligible to receive nominations and win Oscars in the future.

Furthermore, Will Smith reportedly responded in a statement saying, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

The actor, who described his emotional state as “Heartbroken,” received criticism from several celebrities for his slap on Chris Rock. The slap responded to a joke Rock made about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head.

In a recent interview with Drink Champs, Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky expresses disappointment in Will Smith regarding how he handled a disagreement with a fellow Black man.

“I’m a fan of Will, Jada, Chris, all of them. They OGs,” Rocky said, as seen in the clip posted to Instagram. “I think it’s unfortunate that, like, he emasculated another Black man in front of all them people like that. But I do think that, like, it’s some built-up shit that probably wasn’t really targeted at Chris Rock. I don’t know. … Like what you said, it seems like it’s more than just a G.I. Jane joke.”

 

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Commentary From Chris Rock’s Brother, Tony Rock, Concerning The Incident At The Academy

In addition, at the premiere of his documentary Still Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa also attempted to make light of the situation. However, he warned audience members not to approach the stage or risk getting shot for running upon him.

Moreover, Tony Rock, Chris Rock’s brother, commented on the event during a recent stand-up performance. He said if he had been present at the Oscars, he would have been unable to maintain his composure.

“If you think you going to walk up on this stage, this ain’t the muthaf**king Oscars!” Tony Rock said. “And if you walk your a*s up here, you ain’t nominated for sh*t but these muthaf**king hands! Oh, we going to pop the rest of the year, n**ga. Every time you see me do a show, pop!”

He continued,

“You gonna hit my muthaf**king brother because your bi**h gave you a side-eye?”

View the full clip below regarding Tony Rock’s opinion on the Oscars incident.

 

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Written by Nikiya Biggs

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